Addressing the Tragic Death of a Mail Carrier
Following the tragic death of mail carrier Octavia Redmond, politicians and postal workers are coming together to demand better protections for postal workers who are increasingly becoming targets of violence.
Rally for Greater Protection
At a rally attended by hundreds of letter carriers and labor allies, speakers urged elected leaders to take action to address the rising number of attacks on postal workers. Elise Foster, president of NALC Chapter 11, highlighted the urgent need for measures to ensure the safety of mail carriers, citing the alarming statistic of over 140 deaths among postal workers in the past year.
Push for Legislation
In response to the senseless tragedy, colleagues of Redmond are calling for increased protection and public safety measures along mail routes. Lawmakers have introduced the Protect Our Letter Carriers Act in Congress, aimed at preventing violent crimes against postal workers and holding perpetrators accountable. It’s crucial that Congress swiftly passes this bill to provide much-needed protections for those who deliver mail to our communities.
Michael Caref of NALC District 3 emphasized the importance of including provisions for mail carriers’ safety in the bill, as well as funding for postal police to actively patrol the streets and ensure the security of postal workers.
Seeking Justice
Despite the tragic loss of Octavia Redmond, no arrests have been made in connection with her murder. The U.S. Postal Inspection Service is offering a reward of up to $250,000 for any information leading to an arrest and conviction in this case. It is imperative that those responsible for this heinous crime are brought to justice to prevent further acts of violence against postal workers.
